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Help me understand the current amp market

I've been doing some research in regards to amplifiers in hopes of purchasing one some time in the near future. However, it's difficult to navigate all the different models and what makes them exactly special. For starters, which amplifier manufacturers are actually coming up with innovative technologies and which ones are more "assemblers" of slightly modified parts? Pilium, for example, is getting a lot of buzz, but the CEO is an ex gym owner that's an audio enthusiast and not an electrical engineer. So what makes them stand out? Also, I'm seeing companies like Solution and Jeff Rowland using switched mode power supplies. Are these truly better than the traditional toroidal transformers? I understand that you need to listen to them to truly understand each amplifier's significance. However, since it's almost impossible to listen to all of them in the same environment, I'd like to narrow my selection by which ones technological sound good first. Any help would be appreciated.

jyaki
jyaki OP
5 posts
 

 

@glennewdick I do enjoy my Luxman 509-X. This whole thing started when I was thinking about upgrading to the 509-Z. Then I started thinking maybe I should go separates and get the Luxman C-10X with M-10X amplifier. Then, that led to exploring different amplifier options.

@soix @mikelavigne I really do enjoy how my current set up sounds. The Luxman sounds terrific and adding the Mola Mola Tambaqui made a huge difference. I primarily listen to Tidal and to pop, electronic and some rap (no jazz or classical). Since this is my first "real" hi-fi set up, I don't have a clear picture as to which direction I want to go. I guess I'm enjoying learning about this hobby and wanting to see how I can keep improving things. 

@ghdprentice Thanks for the info. Didn't know about HiFi+, I'll definitely check it out

@grislybutter I'm not opposed to tubes, but I really don't know much about them. I figure that the kind of music I listen to is more aligned with the characteristics of a solid-state amplifier?? 

 

soix
9,779 posts
 

I really do enjoy how my current set up sounds…I primarily listen to Tidal and to pop, electronic and some rap (no jazz or classical). Since this is my first "real" hi-fi set up, I don't have a clear picture as to which direction I want to go.

Given this I’d recommend sticking with what you have until you have time to go listen to other systems to identify what specific improvements you’d like to achieve.  At this point you’re just as likely to shoot yourself in the foot as you are to get significant improvements — in other words, it’d be a total crapshoot unless you can try an amp in your system at home first.  Just my $0.02 FWIW.

grislybutter
3,368 posts
 

yes, for the type of music you listed, SS seems to be the way to go. You have a good budget, do you have audio dealers nearby?

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,454 posts
 

Benchmark AHB2 is the "benchmark" these days for SS amp performance.  Many other good quality amps at all price points, but, if in doubt and in-budget, safe to start there.  Just google search it and you will see.

 

mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
5,024 posts
 

I have a pair of the new Fosi V3 Monos in house for evaluation.

These things are pretty killer.  I have (2) of the 10A power supplies, one on each amp. 

I did replace the factory opamps with the dual discrete Sparko Labs SS3602.

I agree that these are going to compete against much higher priced amps.

Sweetness in spades so far...

 

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